I decided to call my cable TV company to inquire about a mistake on my bill. From past experience, I suspected this would be a visit to the suburbs of hell. My expectations were soon fulfilled. After being cycled through three phases of the automated system, I was told by a machine that I’d get to speak with an actual person in 16 minutes. Then I was delivered into the aural torment of recorded smooth jazz.
But a minute into the ordeal, something wonderful happened. The muzak gave way to a series of great indie rock tunes, including three I’d never heard before. A song that I later determined to be Laura Veirs’ “Don’t Lose Yourself” became my instant new favorite. By the time the billing consultant was ready for me, my mood was cheery.
I predict a comparable sequence for you, Capricorn. An apparent trip to the suburbs of hell will have a happy ending that exposes you to fresh sources of inspiration.
This article appears in Mar 11-17, 2009.